AN ACOCKS Green headteacher who founded a music-based secondary school has been bestwoed an MBE.
Sally Alexander was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to education.
Speaking to The Observer Sally said she was blown away when she received the email telling her the news.
The 46-year-old said: “I still can’t believe it – I am just blown away and absolutely honoured to have been considered.
“When I first got the email to say I was being considered for an MBE I thought it was a well executed prank but then I got a phone call and my name was in the news I started to believe it.
“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, it is a mind blowing thing to happen.”
Sally set up Kimichi Independent School in September 2014, ten years after completing her PGCE – teaching qualification – where a fifth if the school’s curriculum is dedicated to music.
The Yardley Road school has more than 35 children aged between nine and 18 registered and has been rated Good by Ofsted in 2015 and 2018.
At Kimichi, they have dedicated skilled staff who are also internationally reputable musicians.
Staff and students have regular contact with a mental health professional who works with students who need emotional support or those with autism or anxiety.
At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sally launched a community initiative whereby pupils and staff delivered goods and services to the most vulnerable.
She maintained this even after schools began to close, as well as continuing to provide education for vulnerable children at school.
